KALAMAZOO -President Bush spoke about revitalizing a slowing economy Tuesday on the campus of Western Michigan University - it was his first trip to Michigan as the nation’s chief executive.

Bush outlined his economic goals of broad-based tax relief, paying down the national debt and ensuring the future of social security to business leaders, politicians and a handful of students that made-up roughly 1,000 people in attendance.

The stop was the 16th on a national tax-cut tour aimed at gaining grassroots support for Bush’s economic plan, which he presented to a joint session of Congress last month.

He encouraged the audience to contact their U.S. senators and urge them to support the proposal, which includes $1.6 trillion in tax cuts. The measure already has passed the U.S. House.

“We must put more money in the hands of consumers in the short term, and restore confidence and optimism in the long term,” Bush said.

Bush’s plan aims at cutting taxes and back paying tax relief to allow consumers to increase purchases and individual investment.

“The future just doesn’t happen, individuals make it happen and the right public policy empowers individuals,” Bush said.

Bush said his plan ensures tax relief for years ahead, which he said will encourage the start of small businesses, creation of jobs and encourage growth. He added that improvements in education will improve the economy.

“If our productivity is going to continue to grow out people must know more tomorrow than they know today,” Bush said.

Bush’s speech was well received by the audience, which included Gov. John Engler, Lt. Gov. Dick Posthumus and U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, and members from event co-sponsors the Kalamazoo County Chamber of Commerce and Southwest Michigan First. Both groups are proponents of business and economic growth.

Elson S. Floyd was more concerned about saving the moment.

The Western Michigan University president said having a sitting president visit was historic.

“It is a great moment not only for the university but for all of southwest Michigan,” Floyd said. “It is an appropriate time to have President Bush here because this university and this community is focused on economic development.”

Floyd said the spotlight should help attract more students and attention, especially when seeking state funding for Western.

Only a few Western students were able to attend the speech in person, but they were invited to watch the speech at a nearby auditorium.

However, some of the students joined about 60 others outside the event at the Student Recreation Center to boo and wave signs at the departing presidential motorcade, and deter event goers from returning to their cars.

Anthony Cimini, a Western biomedical and religion senior, was among them.

“There should be more focus on the betterment of our country and the rest of the world as far as ending poverty and health problems,” he said. “Not focusing of making more money and raping the earth of its natural resources.”

He and others were upset that the majority of the audience at the on-campus event were not Western Michigan students.

Mary Sackley also attended the event.

It was the second time the 15-year-old Portage, Mich., resident had seen Bush, but the first as president.

“I am excited,” she said. “It seems like we are a little town but we are important enough for the president.”